5 simple steps to create functional and inviting gathering spaces: tips from an Organization Coach

Let’s talk about our entryways and family rooms. The entryway is the first space that welcomes you and sets the tone in your home while a family room invites you to stay a while, escape the outside world and refresh. In these spaces, when it comes to organization and style this is my motto: simple is best and less is more!

Follow these 5 easy steps to create a functional and organized entryway and family room that brings joy to your family and guests every single day. 

1. Visualize your ideal space

I always ask my clients to stop and visualize their ideal space before we get started on an organization project. Take a moment to stand in both your entryway and in your family room. While in each space, imagine your ideal scenario. 

  • How do you want your guests and family to feel when they walk into your home? 
  • What favourite activities could you see your family doing together in the family room? Will the space be used for entertaining, movie watching, reading or playing board games? 
  • Don’t skip past this first step! Get inspired to design a space that works with, not against, your vision! 

2. Simplify: be intentional  

Let’s start in your entryway or mudroom. Remove and sort all jackets, shoes, hats, gloves, scarves and anything else that you keep in this space. Give your closet a good clean. Then, edit your items, choosing to keep only the necessary, best or favourite items. 

  • Donate or sell items that are never worn or have been outgrown
  • Place shoes that have served their time in the trash
  • Choose only the best or favourites when you have multiples of items (except for kids gloves, you always need a few pairs of those in the winter!)

Next, head into your family room. Grab a garbage bag and do a clean sweep, putting all wrappers and broken items in the trash. Next, remove all decor from surfaces and clean or dust shelving, your mantel, coffee table and end tables. Now you are ready to EDIT your items!

  • Donate or sell decor that no longer brings you joy
  • Remember your vision and be intentional about what you choose to keep in this space
  • “Less is more” when it comes to decor – add a few items on the coffee table, fireplace mantle and in a shelving unit that serves a purpose, tells a story and brings you joy! 

3. Organize: simple changes that make a big impact

One of my top organizing tips to keep an entryway clutter free is to remove and store seasonal outerwear and shoes in a tote. Place the tote in storage until the season changes. This trick saves time during the morning rush and adds precious space in your closet! 

  • Hang jackets grouped by family member
  • Designate 1 or 2  hooks per family member to place a backpack or purse and  favourite jacket – hooks can be placed on a wall near the entry or even inside a closet
  • Use baskets that are within reach of small hands to contain outdoor accessories – this little trick will allow your kids to put away their own items!

A family room can be used for many purposes. This space usually offers a few seating areas, a coffee table and possibly some shelving. Consider designating “zones” in your space to meet all of your needs for this space. 

  • Store toys, magazines and comfy throws in pretty baskets under the coffee table, in closed shelving or next to a couch or chair
  • Place a nice tray on the coffee table to contain a plant, books, and a small bowl or basket to contain remotes
  • Store DVD’s, cords or a game system in separate bins in closed shelving below or beside the TV

4. Refresh: Add intentional elements that serve a purpose

Here is a list of some of the items that make an entryway both functional and beautiful: 

  • Add a bench for guests to sit on as they put on their shoes 
  • Add a mirror, hooks or inspirational artwork on the wall 
  • Include a plant and a basket or bowl on a ledge or shelf to contain keys and miscellaneous items that end up in this space

Here are some simple ways to add style and function to a family room: 

  • Add a plant and a candle on a mantle or open shelving 
  • Place a lamp, end table and a favourite book or two near a reading chair
  • Display a few coffee table books in open shelving, on a tray on the coffee table or in a pretty basket to invite guests to read and get inspired

5. Transform: Easy habits to KEEP your space organized and clutter free

When a space is lived in, it can become cluttered pretty quickly. Let’s remind ourselves that our homes ARE meant to be lived in! Follow these simple tips to keep your gathering spaces organized and clutter free:

  • Turn on the timer and some fun music and get the whole family involved in a 10 minute pick up at the end of each day 
  • Teach your kiddos (by example!) to get into the habit of hanging their jacket on a hook and putting their shoes in a cubby or closet right away
  • Create a routine of checking backpacks right after school and packing necessary items for the next day the night before

Sharing is caring! Be sure to pin this picture so you can refer back to this guide as often as needed!

I hope these 5 simple tips will give you the confidence to banish clutter and create a functional and inviting entryway and family room!

For more organization inspiration, grab your FREE 4 week declutter challenge printable HERE!

Love the Coastal look? Check out this post from my sister Christal at Style Your Occasion!